Ballentine’s transition into the Fuente Era turned out to be successful as far as the numbers and statistics go, but there is another transition in his life that deserves some recognition. At the tender age of 20, Ballentine is a husband and father of two beautiful girls. In this day and time, the last thing on a young man’s mind is marriage. So what prompted Ballentine to make such a monumental step? He credits his support system for helping him. “I had children and I really loved her (Brittany,) so I didn’t see why not,”said Ballentine. “It has paid off in the long run. I’m happy with who I’m with, and my girls are happy.” As a mother, Smith has taken notice of her son’s dedication to taking care of his family. In fact, she applauds it. “I am so proud of him, but it still goes back to the support system and the atmosphere that he grew up in,” Smith explains. “He has always grew up around good people, good role models. Even when he was at Word of Faith Christian Academy (Kindergarten-Elementary), he still had the older guys to look after him.” Smith appreciates the role models that his coaches in middle school and high school have been to him, and she acknowledges their presence in his life. However, she credits his father, Lonnie Ballentine, on helping him assume his responsibilities as a father. “For him to transition into being a father, it wasn’t hard,” Smith said. “His father has been there for him and been supportive of him; so looking at him take responsibilities for his actions at 16, I’m very proud of him.” Smith says that he could have taken the easier route, and left to go play with Coach Saban at Alabama but that wasn’t in his heart.

“If he would have taken that choice, then we wouldn’t even be hoping and praying that oh he might get drafted or he might, we’ll be talking about top five pick right about now,” Smith said with certainty. “Instead, he took the hard road and said I’m going to come back, I’m going to take care of my little girl, I’m going to take care of my wife; then he had another little girl that was born with down syndrome, had heart surgery, had complications and he still got through that adversity, he still went to football practice every day.”

“Every team that was at that Pro Day can tell you that his workout was off the charts.” Ballentine’s numbers at the end of his Pro Day read: 4.3 in the 40, 38” vertical, 18 reps on the bench press, 10.6 broad jump, and 100% beast. Ok, so the last one wasn’t a category but it definitely should have been one when describing the performance and measuring of the 6’3” 220 pound defensive back.

Needs work I know but could tangibles and I will be rooting for this young man.

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I want to be able to recognize the difference between a "want" and a "need" and then I want to be satisfied with getting a need

After a day at Disneyland with his family, Mr. Irrelevant Lonnie Ballentine received an unexpected visit from an NFL representative Friday night.

Ballentine, the final pick of the NFL Draft, had to undergo a random drug test at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach just before joining friends and fans at the Costa Mesa 55 Tavern + Bowl.

However, if the NFL wanted a better indication of the type of rookie joining the Houston Texans it would have been better off sending the rep to Jim Scott Stadium on Saturday.

Ballentine displayed altruism, humility and inspiration when he took part in the NFL Play 60 Field Day with Mr. Irrelevant.

He posed for several photos with children and adults, and signed all sorts of items. He coached his team in the Unified Flag Football Exhibition Game, which featured former pro football players and Special Olympics athletes.

The event was close to Ballentine's heart. His youngest of two daughters, 2-year-old Laila, was born Down syndrome. She also had fun with her older sister, Londyn, 4, who loved the temporary tattoos that had something to do with football.

Everyone at Jim Scott Stadium appeared to love football, the game brought so many together and resulted in many smiles. It turned out to be a great community event, as Estancia High and its cheerleaders, as well Costa Mesa High cheerleaders and Costa Mesa Pop Warner Football players participated.

I shall not vote since this is a prospect rather than instant help. I will say there are about 10 guys I would have picked instead of this guy. But he has nice measurables and hopefully we have good coaches.

I changed my mind. Voted positive on attitude.

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New fan of #21 Kendrick Lewis and #94 Ryan Pickett. ps I just realized why, they TACKLE!

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”